Featured Photo: A beautiful view after a long day of hiking outside of Oslo, Norway
Global Healthcare Study Abroad in Leipzig 2022
I traveled to Leipzig Germany with the Global Health Care Study Abroad program for 7 weeks this summer. While there we studied global healthcare, shadowed in the local hospital, and took a course on Christianity in culture. Along with group trips to Berlin, Weimar, Wittenberg, and other places around Leipzig, we traveled to Oslo Norway, Venice Italy, and Prague. Each place that we visited had a unique culture and background which was exciting to explore and learn more about. Prior to this trip, I had often heard stereotypes that Germans were less friendly than many Americans, but I was pleasantly surprised by how welcoming and helpful almost every person I encountered was. I would say that one of the biggest things I learned this summer was how to be flexible in all situations. We spent hours planning each of our trips in order to make sure everything went as smoothly as possible, and there were still challenges and things that did not go as planned every time. However, by the end of this trip I feel so much more prepared and confident dealing with challenges like these. I think I have always been a fairly laid back person, but my time both in Leipzig and traveling abroad has really helped me practice making the most out of each moment, even when things are not going as planned.
Overall, this summer was one of the most exciting and impactful experiences of my life. One thing that I have gained through my time studying abroad which I hope to continue applying as I go home is a greater appreciation for the small things throughout my day. Some of my favorite moments in Leipzig have been early morning walks through the park, kayaking down the river, or staying up late talking about life. These moments are so simple, and while the beautiful weather and scenery of Germany are certainly amazing, these new friends and the appreciation for simple pleasures are something that I can take back with me. This summer felt both longer and shorter than I expected. I was worried that it would fly by and just feel like an elongated vacation; however, the villa and the people that I’ve been surrounded by have truly started to feel like home. We traveled to several other countries on free weekends and had unforgettable experiences, but returning to Leipzig was usually just as exciting because of the community we had there.
Returning to Texas after studying and living in Germany for 2 months was a very odd feeling. Leipzig felt so much like home for those two months, yet after returning to Texas life seemed to return to the normal routine as if we had never left. I have found it important to continue reflecting on the time I spent abroad and the experiences I had. I am so grateful for the memories, the experiences, and the relationships I formed and I will take all of these things with me far past this summer.
A fun night in the park in Leipzig!
Making homemade pasta at a cooking class with a local in Venice, Italy
Hiking up to Shrammsteine lookout point in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains